Too-Good-To-Not-Share: Kennaland Salon, Err, Studio

If you know me at all, you know I am a complete nutcase about my haircut. You probably wouldn't realize it just from seeing me since my naturally wavy, never-been-colored mane isn't obviously edgy or over styled, but it's true: to me, a good cut is EVERYTHING.

And I couldn't recommend Kennaland Studio in Greenpoint enough.

I got the tip about the totally un-salon-y spot when I accosted a random girl on the B train about her perfectly not perfect, effortlessly piecey, tousled look. Thank GOODNESS I was able to get Amy's name out of her before my impending stop came along.

After some immediate Googling, I learned that Kennaland is a London import that's managed to stay crazily under the radar during its past one-ish year in Brooklyn. Haircuts cost a totally reasonable $100, with 20% off for first timers.

Amy (my stylist) was sooo nice and laid back. She completely understood the awkward explanation of what I was looking for (subway girl's hair!), and the best part–she actually succeeded in giving me exactly that. Plus after about three weeks, my easy layers are growing out GORGEOUSLY.

Hello, one of the few times I've not only NOT cried post-cut, but been super happy to boot.

Monday Must-Have: ANORAKS

HELLO high 50s, low 60s! Thank you for joining us, and giving my S.A.D. the boot.

Speaking of boots... This new spring weather is definitely calling for a seasonal wardrobe update. And I think it makes perfect sense to start from the outside in.

Without further adieu, take a look at the anoraks I just can't choose between.

Just One Small HUGE Thing (Hint: CHANEL)

THESE SHOES!!!!!!!

Image courtesy of Style.com., Chanel Fall 2015.

ClassPass is the Best Thing Ever

Don't get me wrong–spotting not one... not two... but FOUR cockroaches in the locker room of my local independent gym (the only option within walking distance from my apartment) can/will never be construed as a good thing.

But the nightmarish incident did give me the impetus I needed to quit my membership and join Class Pass.

Ok–I know I'm a little bit late to the game on this one, but Class Pass is AMAZING. It was the easiest thing in the world to sign up for, and booking classes at the bazillion exercise studios around the city is a total breeze, especially via the Class Pass app. Oh, and customer service is phenom.

While I've always been into the healthy lifestyle thing, true NYC fitness buff I am not. After all, my love for wholesome food is the reason I weigh five pounds too much, the only Lulu I feel comfortable buying is from the outlet, and frankly the Soul Cycle cult scares me. The beauty of Class Pass is how is completely meshes with my–or anyone's for that matter–fitness personality.

Last week alone, I attended an oddly spiritual yoga-meets-kickboxing class at Circuit of Change, an enjoyably high energy FlyWheel session, a please-never-make-me-use-those-muscles-again barre hour at Exhale, and a refreshingly challenging Row House experience. Being able to jump around so much keeps working out incredibly unexpected and fun, not to mention makes you realize how terrible those zombie-like elliptical sessions really are.

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some Bikram to do...

The Best Healthy Vegan Brownies EVER

I recently came across a genius Kickstarter campaign for PMS Bites, a genius idea promising a guilt-free dessert that also helps ease symptoms during that time of the month. Plus if and when they get funded, PMS Bites will offer a monthly subscription of their cake-ball-esque treats. #WhydidntIthinkofthat

Meanwhile this past weekend, in my own quest to satisfy a doozy I NEED CHOCOLATE + I FEEL FAT moment, I took the liberty of adapting a Yummly.com brownie recipe in way that I believe might rival everything PMS Bites stands for. I swear I think I ate about fifty without gaining an ounce of weight.

Without further adieu, MAKE. THIS. NOW.

Hali's Super Healthy, Super Fudgy, Super Chocolatey Sugar-Free Vegan Brownies

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

2 overripe mashed bananas

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

3 tablespoons coconut oil (melted) or olive oil

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 cup carob chocolate chips

Directions

1.) Preheat oven to 350F.
2.) Combine all of the ingredients and mix very well.
3.) Pour batter evenly into a greased pan.
4.) Bake for about 20 minutes. (They’re ready when a toothpick or fork stuck into the middle comes out mostly clean.)

On Oscar...

If this isn't a glorious last mark to leave, I don't know what is.

Winter Pick-Me-Ups

It's been cold. It is cold. It's going to be cold. If now's not the time for a pick-me-up, I don't know when is.

Enter Coggles, a quirkier, UK-based version of Net-a-porter with a killer sale section. Here's what I'm carting up right now: